Franklin Regional High School welcomes new assistant principal
When Ted Benning was a child, he wanted to someday work in a position where he could help people.
His original choice, being a funeral director, never became reality, but now that he has taken a job as Assistant Principal at Franklin Regional High School, Benning says he has the opportunity to do just that.
Benning graduated from Frostburg State University in Maryland with a degree in secondary education for Social Studies.
He then started teaching, coaching basketball and football, and working in various roles of administration.
He later went back for his administrative certificate and master’s degree at University of Pittsburgh, according to Benning.
He’s been married to his wife, Amy, for 13 years.
She teaches at a small school district in Somerset County.
They have two children; Claire, who is seven, and Will, who is two.
Benning believes that his family is the “utmost priority”, but, in his free time, he also enjoys watching sports.
“My favorite sports include football and hockey, and pretty much anything my wife enjoys watching as well,” said Benning.
He also likes to watch the FR Panthers football team play.
Also, when spending time with his family, he enjoys playing some recreational sports.
“First and foremost, (I want to be) an excellent father and family member.” said Benning.
One reason why he took this job was to bring his family closer to their relatives, according to Benning.
“We currently live in Johnstown,” said Benning. “It’s not tremendously far from where (our) family lives, but this gives us an opportunity to move closer, which is important to us.”
However, the location is not the only reason Benning took this job.
“I saw (this position) as an opportunity to learn and grow professionally, and to be part of an excellent culture,” said Benning.
So far, Benning thinks Franklin Regional has been great.
“The kids are excellent, and the staff is excellent,” said Benning. “It feels like I’ve been a part of the FR family for a lot longer (than I have)”
Benning said that he is currently learning how he fits into the community and the staff.
However, the other members of the administration say that he already brings good skills
to the table.
“When you put a team together, you try to make sure that we all complement each other,” said Principal Ron Suvak. “Mr. Benning brings some of the areas where our administrative team did not have strengths in the past.”
Benning’s organizational skills have already been a great asset to the school.
He will be a great help in deciding what needs improved and figuring out how to improve it, according to Assistant Principal Joan Mellon.
“I love working with (Benning),” said Mellon. “He has a heart to help kids, a great educational background, and, on top of that, he’s a lot of fun.”
Benning admires the staff as much as they admire him.
“The staff does a tremendous job,” said Benning. “It’s easy to see why (Franklin Regional) students are so successful.
Benning wants to “help the cause” and make sure the students at Franklin Regional have “all the knowledge, opportunities, and resources to be successful”, said Benning.
Though he enjoys his work, he does like to have free time.
He likes to watch movies, listen to country music, and read, as well as spend time with his family and friends.
Also, “learning more about what’s new and what’s next in education, is certainly a huge interest of mine,” said Benning.
His Lutheran beliefs partially fuel his drive to help others.
“I do as the big guy would want me to do,” said Benning.
He wants to make the world a better place, both individually and professionally.
The staff believes he is already accomplishing his goals at Franklin Regional.
“He is a fantastic advocate for our children, and a great spokesperson for what we do here,” said Suvak.
He believes that Franklin Regional can be the best in the region, according to Suvak.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a couple other very successful cultural based school districts, but it’s safe to say this one tops it,” said Benning. “I’m thrilled to be a part of it, and I look forward to a great year and years ahead.”
